ALCF Story

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) was founded in 2006, but it really began long before its official start date when Bonnie received a Lung Cancer diagnosis and her life was redefined. Her prognosis was grim when she was diagnosed in 2004. Following a 14-hour surgery, a battery of nurses and doctors, an army of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, blood clots, procedures and tubes that invaded her formerly predictable life, Bonnie became a Lung Cancer survivor.

In a unique position to become the voice for the other 1.5 million people personally affected by the number one cancer killer, she began to think of ways to help people facing the crisis of this highly stigmatized disease. “What about the 450 patients who die each day of Lung Cancer in the U.S. alone and their families?” Bonnie asked. “Where’s the outrage?” On March 6, 2006, the news broke that Dana Reeve lost her battle with Lung Cancer. Bonnie decided:

“Enough was enough!” ALCF was born.

Since it’s founding, ALCF has grown into the first international collaborative entity of its kind, raising millions of dollars for Lung Cancer research and programs to support patients and their families.